DEPUTY HEAD OF OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS UNIT (BASED IN ANY OCBA HUB)

MAIN PURPOSES  

The purpose of the role is to support the Head of Operational Communications in leading and coordinating communication strategies and activities across MSF-OCBA operations. Ensure effective public positioning, crisis communication preparedness, and learning and development for communication professionals and operational managers, in order to strengthen MSF’s social mission and operational impact. 

JOB OVERVIEW 

The Deputy Head of Operational Communications plays a key role in supporting the Head of Operational Communications in managing the OpsComs Unit. The role focuses on communication strategies, crisis communication preparedness and response, and learning and development initiatives. The position also acts as a backup to the Head of Operational Communications and contributes to strategic planning and coordination across MSF-OCBA hubs. 

TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Leadership & Public Positioning 

• Lead the development of public positioning strategies on transversal operational issues in collaboration with Communications Advisors, Operations, and other departments. 
• Coordinate the design and implementation of transversal operational communication initiatives related to strategic dossiers, ensuring alignment with MSF-OCBA’s social mission. 
• Support operational Communications Advisors in defining and executing public positioning strategies, under supervision of the Head of operational communications 
• Engage with MSF partners and hubs to ensure OCBA’s contribution to transversal operational communication initiatives with support from the communication advisors  

Crisis Communication Management 

• Act as the focal point for crisis communication, providing strategic advice to operational and communications teams during critical incidents. 
• Ensure preparedness and rotation of support for Crisis Management Teams (CMT), including active participation when required. 
• Develop and update crisis communication protocols, materials, and case studies to enhance organizational readiness. 
• Organize and deliver briefings and trainings on crisis communication to operational communication teams in collaboration with the Critical Incident Management Coordinator and Head of Operational Communications. 

Learning, Development & Knowledge Management 

• Lead the development and implementation of a Learning & Development strategy for OCBA operational communications staff and operational managers. 
• Coordinate with MSF’s Learning Unit and external partners (e.g., Field Comms Learning Unit) to contribute to international learning solutions and training modules. 
• Monitor and support the rollout of Tembo modules and webinars on operational communication for key field staff. 
• Maintain and contribute to knowledge management platforms, ensuring communication resources are accessible and up-to-date. 

Coordination, Reporting & Team Support 

• Act as interim Head of Operational Communications during absences, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making. 
• Contribute to internal reporting processes, including monthly and annual reports, and track progress on OKRs related to transversal dossiers, crisis management, and L&D. 
• Participate in departmental meetings and provide backup support to team members when needed, including on-call availability for emergency communications. 

ROLE´S SPECIFIC ELEMENTS 

• Focal point for operational communication on learning and development 
• Focal point for operational communication on critical incident management 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field.  
• Minimum 5 years of experience in operational communications, including roles such as Field Communications Manager, Communications Advisor, or similar.  
• Previous MSF communications experience is required. 
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.  
• Experience in crisis communication, media engagement and digital communication, preferably in humanitarian contexts.  
• French, Arabic, Spanish and/or other relevant regional languages will be considered assets.  

CONDITIONS 

• Position based in any MSF-OCBA Hub: Amman, Bogotá, Dakar, Nairobi, Barcelona, Bilbao, Sevilla or Madrid.  
  • Final location will be subject to the employability of the preselected candidate (e.g., residency, work permit, etc.). 
• For level HQ-4C positions and if the role is based in one of our offices in Spain, the salary will be at €49,685.25. If the role is finally located at one of the OCBA regional hubs, compensation will be subject to the local pay scale applicable to that hub. 
• Full-time job. 
• Contract duration: 6 months (interim) 
• Starting date: end of September 2026. 

HOW TO APPLY  

• To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter.
• Closing date: 2nd September, 23:59 CET (Central European Time). 

INFORMATION ABOUT RECRUITMENT PROCESS STEPS 

• After the application deadline, the recruitment process usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks.  
• All candidates will be informed once the process is closed. Due to the high number of applications, individual feedback cannot usually be provided.  
• If you have not heard from us, it means the process is still ongoing and additional candidates may be contacted.  
• A reference check will be requested in the final stages of the process. Candidates will be required to provide references from former employers using professional or corporate email addresses (personal email accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc. will not be accepted). 

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. MSF provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination.